What a Parti Québécois Government Means for Businesses

The swearing-in of Paul St-Pierre Plamondon and his lean Cabinet represents more than a change in government. For businesses, the arrival of the Parti Québécois signals a shift in how the state will select its interventions, assess projects, and define the benefits expected for Quebec. The government intends to take a more targeted approach while remaining heavily involved in sectors it considers strategic.

This approach is reflected in the structure of Cabinet itself. Several key levers of government have been consolidated under three influential super ministers: Stéphane Paquet, whose broad economic portfolio includes energy; Nicolas Girard, responsible for transportation and municipal affairs; and Deputy Premier Catherine Gentilcore, who oversees immigration, integration, and the government’s sovereignty agenda. With 60 seats in the National Assembly, the PQ remains a minority government, increasing pressure to deliver visible results quickly and focus government action on a limited number of priorities.

The State as a Catalyst for Economic Performance

The government plans to review subsidy programs, reduce discretionary support to businesses, and gradually lower the corporate tax burden. Innovation, artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and government modernization are also expected to play a central role in improving productivity. In this context, the Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs portfolio entrusted to Anne Nguyen signals the government’s intention to leverage new technologies to strengthen economic performance and public-sector efficiency.

For businesses, the message is clear: access to grants, tax credits, loans, and other incentive programs will increasingly depend on the ability to demonstrate measurable outcomes. Organizations should begin documenting investments, job creation, Quebec-based suppliers, and the regional economic benefits generated by their activities.

Opportunities in Strategic Sectors

This more selective approach does not diminish the importance of major projects. The Premier has committed to accelerating public transit projects, increasing electric vehicle adoption, and making energy efficiency a national priority. Public investment is therefore expected to continue creating significant opportunities across the energy, infrastructure, and technology sectors.

In natural resources and critical minerals, the government remains supportive of development, but expectations will be higher regarding Quebec-based processing, regional benefits, and Indigenous participation. Project proponents will also face increased expectations related to social acceptability and environmental performance. That said, the presence of Jean Pellerin as Environment Minister and Nathalie Bisaillon as Minister of Natural Resources, both of whom come from the business community, could support a more pragmatic approach focused on project delivery, economic benefits, and practical solutions to development and regulatory challenges.

Language, Immigration, and Relations with Ottawa

Immigration and the protection of the French language are among the government’s early priorities. For employers, lower immigration levels could intensify labour shortages in certain sectors. Businesses will need to demonstrate workforce needs more clearly while continuing to invest in training, francization, automation, and productivity improvements.

Companies should also closely monitor developments in the health and education sectors. Together, these areas account for a significant share of public spending and will play an important role in the government’s efforts to improve performance and modernize public services. Initiatives that contribute to these objectives may receive increased government attention.